Systemic Mastocytosis Associated with Liver Failure in an Adult German Shepherd Dog

Abstract

A 10-year–old German shepherd dog was presented with right fore limb oedema, ascites and hepatomegaly. A clinical diagnosis of ehrlichiosis and liver failure was made. Response to therapy was unfavorable and with the owner's consent, euthanasia was performed. Necropsy findings revealed a markedly enlarged liver whose surface had numerous cream colored nodular masses. On histopathology, the liver tissue was destroyed by the infiltrating neoplastic mast cells and eosinophils. Based on the gross and microscopic findings, the condition was diagnosed as metastatic mastocytoma that resulted in liver failure. Occurrence of systemic mastocytosis without overt cutaneous lesions is rare. This article documents a case of liver failure due to malignant mastocytosis of which there are scant reports.

The Kenya Veterinarian Vol. 30 (1) 2006: pp. 19-22